Have you been accused of lewd conduct in San Jose, CA? Call Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys today at (408) 217-8818 for a consultation. Our San Jose lewd conduct lawyers can help you understand your rights and legal options and work to achieve a favorable resolution in your case.
Our award-winning criminal defense attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience handling complex and sensitive criminal cases. We know how much is at stake, and we’re ready to protect your reputation, your freedom, and your future.
Contact us now to schedule a confidential case review with our San Jose sex crimes lawyers. We’re here to stand by you during this challenging time.
Why Choose Ahmed & Sukaram to Handle Your Lewd Conduct Case?
If you’re accused of a sex-related crime, you need a San Jose criminal defense lawyer who understands the stakes and has the skills and resources to defend you.
At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we bring unique advantages to the table in San Jose, California, including:
- Proven track record, with decades of combined experience. We’ve successfully defended thousands of clients facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
- Our attorneys have been recognized by leading organizations, including Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, as well as other prestigious organizations, for their excellence in criminal defense.
- We have successfully defended over 50 trials and have the courtroom pedigree necessary to strengthen your defense.
- You’ll have direct access to your lawyer and a tailored defense strategy designed for your unique circumstances.
We don’t back down from tough cases. Whether negotiating for dismissal, fighting for reduced charges, or taking your case to trial, we are relentless in protecting your future. Call us today for a consultation with a San Jose lewd conduct attorney.
Overview of Lewd Conduct in San Jose
Under California Penal Code 647(a), it is a crime to engage in “lewd or dissolute conduct” in a public place, or in a setting that is exposed to public view.
Lewd conduct generally means touching yourself or another person’s intimate parts, including genitals, buttocks, or breasts, for the purpose of sexual gratification.
To secure a conviction for lewd conduct, prosecutors must prove:
- The act must have been intentional, not accidental.
- There was touching, including contact with skin or over clothing.
- The act must have been done for sexual gratification, or to offend or annoy.
- The conduct must occur in a place open to the public or within view of others.
Additionally, you must have known, or reasonably should have known, that someone else was present and could be offended.
Penalties for Lewd Conduct in California
Lewd conduct is classified as a misdemeanor under California law. Potential penalties include:
- Up to one year in county jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Summary (informal) probation
Probation may come with conditions like mandatory counseling, community service, or abstaining from alcohol and drugs.
Beyond the criminal sentence, a conviction can carry serious collateral consequences. These may include difficulty finding employment, housing restrictions, reputational harm, and even complications in child custody matters.
Sex Offender Registration and Lewd Conduct
A conviction for lewd conduct does not automatically trigger mandatory registration under California’s sex offender registry laws. However, prosecutors sometimes pair lewd conduct charges with other offenses, such as indecent exposure. A conviction for indecent exposure does carry mandatory registration requirements.
In some cases, the manner in which charges are filed or resolved through a plea bargain can influence whether registration becomes a requirement. Likewise, courts may impose registration requirements if the facts of the case suggest heightened concerns. But this is rare.
The consequences of being placed on the sex offender registry are life-changing. You will be subject to restrictions on where you can live, work, and even travel. Therefore, it is essential to have experienced defense counsel protecting you from this outcome. We make it a top priority to fight not only the criminal charges but also to shield you from collateral consequences like registration.
Defenses to Lewd Conduct Charges
Our San Jose sex crimes attorneys will explore every possible defense strategy to protect your rights.
Common defenses available in lewd conduct cases include:
- You did not act for sexual gratification or to offend.
- No touching occurred.
- False allegations or mistaken identity.
- You were not in public, or not in view of the public.
- You reasonably believed you were in a private setting.
Prosecutors must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest burden of proof in the law. By challenging the prosecution’s evidence and raising reasonable doubt, we can make it much harder for the state to secure a conviction.
Contact Our San Jose Lewd Conduct Defense Attorneys Today
You shouldn’t take lewd conduct charges lightly. The prosecutors won’t. You deserve an experienced defense attorney who can protect your rights and help you avoid the worst consequences of your charges.
Call the San Jose lewd conduct lawyers at Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys today. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense will be.